Nervous System – Functions and Subdivisions

What are the functions of Nervous System?

• Gathers information both from the outside world and from inside the body- SENSORY FUNCTION
• Transmits the information to the processing area of the brain and spinal cord –TRANSMISSION
• Processes the information to determine the best response- INTEGRATIVE FUNCTION
• Sends information to muscles, glands, and organs (effectors) for muscular contraction and glandular secretion – MOTOR FUNCTION   

What are the various subdivisions of Nervous System?

Nervous system can be subdivided on the basis of their :

• Anatomic location  
• Functions

Anatomical subdivision/Parts

Nervous system is divided into two parts:

•  Central nervous system(CNS) – consists of
  • brain and
  • spinal cord
• Peripheral nervous system (PNS) – consists of
  • 12 pairs of cranial nerves
  • 31 pairs of spinal nerves

 Functional subdivision 

Nervous system is  subdivided into following two types based on function:

Somatic Nervous System

It receives information (via afferent / sensory nerves ) and responds to the external environment (via motor or efferent nerves)

• Afferent component:  It carries and processes sensory impulses of touch, pressure, pain, temperature ans proprioception.
• Efferent component:  It carries impulses from central nervous system to skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

It receives information from the internal environment of the body (Viscera) and  responds by regulating glands, heart and smooth muscles of viscera and blood vessels. It is  further subdivided into following two divisions:

• Sympathetic nervous system: .
• Parasympathetic nervous system: